Evaluation

I came back to Edinburgh to do this course as a highly motivated individual, but also with a lot of fears, worries and uncertainties. I knew I wanted to get into Uni and I knew this course would put me back into the learning environment. I was fairly confident that I would be able to adapt my ‘teacher’ lifestyle to being a student without too many problems. My expectations? I guess I had hoped for something more academic, but that’s to do with the path I wish to follow. Clearly, there has to be a practical element to this course.


One of the most positive experiences was meeting and getting on with my class mates, many of whom are considerably younger than I. It was great learning to work together, and being able to help some people. Hopefully, I can also say I won the respect of my teachers! Other good points were that I became comfortable on the ‘other side’ of the classroom and used that freedom to investigate the directions I felt to be interesting, as well as what I had to.

The course could be improved by:
• Microsoft Word tutorial at beginning of course
• Essay writing tutorial near beginning of course
• The 2 points above could be used to prepare for writing the UCAS personal statement
• Separate English language component for non-native speakers
• Clearer guidance about plagiarism – still a lot of fear & uncertainty
• A clear document for each subject detailing assessments & assignments to be passed; Scott had an excellent one for Communication

My own performance has been above satisfactory! I have passed all elements of the course without undue effort or stress, although the level did allow me to take certain liberties: I should have worked harder on my notes taking. I have remained generally motivated and patient; and have tried to look on the bright side when faced with adversary and disheartenment. I have tried to help my peers both when I am in college, and through email. Since Easter, things have dragged a little and I’ve felt frustrated with some of the restrictions placed on the course content by the practicality of exam preparation.

I'd say that I have learned more about myself and my learning processes than anything of great significance within the subjects. Maths & French served to remind me of skills I had studied before. Literature & History extended the level and scope of my abilities within these subjects. Communication confirmed some of my strengths. Spanish challenged me to convert my knowledge into more accurate constructions. I fine tuned my abilities to make and keep commitments, to set workable timetables and to prioritize.

Live long and prosper